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Mwangaza: I got the best Xmas present...

Kawira Mwangaza

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza speaks to the media outside Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi after the court extended orders suspending her impeachment on December 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Richard Munguti | Nation Media Group

By  Richard Munguti

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Senators endorsed the decision by Meru County Assembly to send Ms Mwangaza home on August 21.
  • Twenty-six senators had voted in support of the three charges brought against Governor Mwangaza.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has termed a High Court ruling extending an order blocking her removal from office as the best Christmas gift.

In the ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended the order for 120 days stating that public interest tilts in favour of the extension.

The judge said not extending the order, yet he governor’s case is still ongoing, would mean there will be a succession in the office of Meru governor. 

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“Those changes will not be easy to undo if the petition succeeds," said the Judge.

Mwangaza's tears of joy as court extends her term in office

Senators endorsed the decision by the Meru County Assembly to send Ms Mwangaza home on August 21, after a third attempt after to uphold her impeachment. 

Twenty-six senators had voted in support of the three charges brought against Ms Mwangaza.

But she moved to court the same day and Justice Mwamuye stopped the implementation of the resolution of the House, removing her from office. 

The Senate had asked the court to set aside the orders, saying it has far reaching implications that encroach on their mandate. 

Kawira Mwangaza

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza follows proceedings of her impeachment case at the High Court in Nairobi on December 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Richard Munguti | Nation Media Group

The Senate had also faulted Ms Mwangaza for suing the wrong party, saying she ought to have sued the Senate and not the speaker. 

"...in that time, the petitioner will continue to serve as governor with a provision that the judgement in this case may be rendered before lapse of the 120 days," he said.

Justice Mwamuye said Ms Mwangaza had satisfied the court that the case will be rendered useless if the interim order, blocking her removal, are lifted as pleaded by the Senate.